Spate of business burglaries in North Devon

Even CCTV is stolen

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a series of burglaries at commercial premises in North Devon.

Although eight burglaries have been reported since 10 October, it's not yet known if they're linked.

Four took place at the Yelland Industrial Estate near Barnstaple some time overnight between Saturday 10 October to Sunday 11 October. A box of Hilti power tools valued at £1,000 was stolen from one premises, a CCTV camera from another and a crate of beer plus a power tool from the third. Nothing was taken from the fourth business.

A large quantity of car batteries was taken from Killacleave Recycling Centre in Ilfracombe on the same night while suspicious behaviour was reported at Mullacott Industrial Estate in the town.

On Monday 12 October burglars targeted Southfork ATB cycle store on Exeter Road, Braunton. Three high-value electric bicycles were stolen, two Fantic XFI ebikes and one bright orange-coloured Orbea Wild FS 20.

A second burglary occurred at the store In the early hours of Wednesday 28 October. Three used bikes worth a total of £11,000 were stolen - a yellow Fantic XF1 Integra 150 electric mountain bike, a Fantic XF1 Integra 160 electric mountain bike which is black/white and red with Renthal carbon handlebars, plus a men’s carbon black Kona Process 134 mountain bike. The electric bikes were stolen without the charging devices.

Officers are also investigating a burglary at a business in Slade Road, Ilfracombe, overnight on 18/19 October. A safe containing a quantity of cash was taken.

Police would like to remind business owners to lock their business premises securely and ensure any CCTV is working. People are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles. Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in and around industrial estates in the region.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or via email at 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/085878/20.